Faction Sakedo Sunset Party

[Gray Venasir]

Ever since the upper levels of the Sakedo Tower had collapsed, Luminous Sun had worked to have it rebuild as fast as possible. Every minute it wasn’t in working condition were credits lost. Luckily, work had gone smoothly and fast, and the tower was now ready to be reopened. And what better way to do that, than with a grand party?

Luminous had planned one of her famous elite parties, both to celebrate that the Sakedo Tower would open once again, but also to celebrate one of the new facilities of the shopping mall, The Loft. Built on the 302nd floor, and taking up a quarter of said floor, it was the newest party venue of the DireX member, and would also be one of her grandest. Entrance would be invite only, while parts of the floor were translucent, so the other visitors at the mall could see the lights and shapes coming from The Loft.

The grand re-opening of the tower would be open for all. But entry to The Loft would be strictly for those specially invited, as with all of Sun’s parties. Included on the guest list would be the richest on Denon, those with influence and power, leaders of the different Guilds operating on the planet and celebrities. And the members of Darkwire. The relationship between Darkwire and CAD were usually strained, and they rarely saw eye to eye, but for this certain party, Sun had decided to ignore that. If nothing else than to keep up appearances that the DireX had control over the cyber-terrorist group.

“Get those lights in order, the guests will be here any minute now,” barked Sun. “And make sure the sound systems are working properly. Don’t forget what happened to you last time it wasn’t.” The worker who was checking up on the speakers felt his own face, how half of it had been burned off. Luminous was doing a check-up to see that everything was in order for the party that would start in a short while. She had just been to the kitchen to check that the food and drink was as good as ready. Many different species would be attending, so they had to have an assortment of exotic dishes ready. And all the strange names of the dishes had been drilled into the heads of the waiters that would walk around with the plates. Other than that, the party would include a big dance floor with shining neon lights, an outside pool that had been built into the tower. And of course, for those interested, special services in the back rooms, issued by Luminous Sun’s Twi’lek and Zeltron workers.

“I trust you can make sure things are in order,” she sternly said to the employees in the main room of The Loft. It wasn’t a question. It was a command. And somehow, her yellow, fancy dress, and well designed hairstyle only made this more clear, together with her fierce eyes. “I have to go make a speech.” And with that, she left through an elevator.

“Welcome everyone!” she addressed the big crowd that had formed outside the mall, when she came down. Everyone cheered when they saw her. “Welcome, to the grand reopening of the Sakedo Tower, after it so terribly collapsed earlier this year. I am happy to announce that we have taken great measures to make sure something like that will never happen again. It’s foundation and walls are now sturdier than ever, and thanks to the Corporate Securities, the security is more than doubled. All to make sure you, the people of Denon, will be safe.” A new round of applause came, and Sun waited for it to calm down before continuing. “But I will not stand here and bore you with details. You are here for the reopening, and to test the new facilities. And today, to celebrate that Sakedo Tower once more stands tall, entry to all theaters, as well as every ride in the Seventh Square Gardens, will be free, plus several discounts all over the mall. Now, go and enjoy yourselves.” And with a last round of applause, before the crowd dispersed inside the mall, Luminous Sun disappeared back up to The Loft.

Gray was standing in the crowd of people that had gathered outside Sakedo Tower. He, like all of Darkwire, had recieved a special invitation to attend the party in The Loft. It was highly unusual for any member of his organization to be invited to one of the DireX members’ celebrations, and even more so the entirety of Darkwire. But it wouldn’t look good to turn down an invitation like this, even if it seemed sketchy. Besides, Luminous had always been the most sympathetic to their cause.

When the speech was done, there was nothing else to do than follow along the crowd inside. The first floor looked like it had done before, which was expected. The only new thing Gray could see was a more thorough map of the tower, with updated names and pointers to where the new things were. And there, taking up a big chunk of the 302nd floor, was The Loft. Guests would probably start arriving there soon, which meant there was no rush to get there. He didn’t like arriving to anything too early, when there was no one else to chat with. And Sun had said there would be discounts and other free facilities, so there were a few things he wanted to check out first. “Just have to make sure I don’t go there too late,” he said to himself.

“I think I’ll start by checking out the 301st. Plenty new stuff to check out, and close enough to The Loft to get there when I need to.”

 

[Zenric Salyn]

This had to be the place. The other three weren't. Was it three? Zenric half stumbled his way into the Sakedo tower plaza, his brown eyes squinting as he tried to find anything that might be familiar. He was without his armor this time, making it far easier for him to 'blend in'. As much as his obviously drunk demeanor would allow. So what if those first three stops happened to be bars? So what if he chilled there for a bit to drink and have his own little party? The Darkwire was real! These rebellious folks he thought were just a rumor.

Might as well really party.

Thankfully the heavier drinks were already starting to wear off as he nearly stumbled into Gray Venasir . "Sorry, sorry. Hey, uh." Nope, he didn't recognize this guy. But maybe he knew. "This the uh.. Party? Y'know." He leaned in real close and whispered far too loudly to actually be whispering. "Warkdire?" Oh yes, he switched it around. Code words were important after all.

"This seems like it's the place, but ya never know."

 

[Kadora'Tra]

​

Sakedo Tower.

Kadora'Tra shivered a moment as she read over the event details.

"You don't have to come back if you don't want to, Lonnie." The CorpSec Captain said to her Lieutenant. The Trandoshan let out a curt series of growls and hisses, that let the Farghul know in no uncertain terms that she was accompanying her friend to the tower. Kadora'Tra's eyes glanced to the side in a subtle grimace as the lizard woman said friend openly. It made her feel strange in a way she didn't like, but couldn't really object to either. She had something like a friend once, Shot Sutaz , but things got a bit muddled along the way when their career paths took them in separate directions.

"I don't need accompaniment," Kadora'Tra let out, perhaps a touch too aggressively. Allowing her eyes to furtively glance up, she saw the almost hurt look her Trandoshan companion had, before having to look away again, rubbing her own arm with her opposite hand. "But if you are feeling healthy and don't feel... anxious about going back, I can make sure you're close to my guard detail." This elicited a happier chirp, followed by a proclamation that she wouldn't need anyone to guard her, and that she was more than capable on her own. The Farghul girl managed a small smile.

"Lonnie, your arms barely reach your hips, you're lucky I'm releasing you from medical leave early on your request." Lonnie roared dismissively, even as she was folding her uniform sleeves up higher from her little growing arms. Kadora'Tra was never more thankful that her frie-Lieutenant, was a Trandoshan that could regrow her limbs. Even her face grew back a bit more than expected before the doctors had to use some reconstructive surgery. The attack on Sakedo Tower had certainly left its scars, including Kadora'Tra's reputation.

Tonight though, it seemed that Lonnie was determined to make them both forget and move on. Suffice to say, the Trandoshan that could recover from her heinous injuries was taking it much better than the Farghul whose only injury was pride and the trauma of almost losing someone under her watch.

Putting the datapad down, she took a moment to just look at Lonnie.

(CorpSec)
​

While most guests would find themselves towards the bottom of the tower moving their way, and visiting the various attractions, as a member of the reinforced security detail throughout the tower for its Grand Re-Opening, Kadora'Ta was already well within the building once it opened up once again to the general public. Despite this being an official function, Luminous Sun would have her hide if she weren't dressed "to the nines" (which Kadora'Tra wasn't sold on not being a cat joke quite yet), especially since she was Diviak's "pet".

Lonnie roared next to Kadora'Tra, complimenting her on her choice of attire.

"Thanks," She replied simply, looking at her companion who chose to wear a black dress with a red cape draped over her shoulders, obscuring the tininess of her arms. Kadora'Tra never even knew that she owned any dresses, let alone wore any... and when did she get a cape? Suddenly the Farghul had a desire for a cape, but she wasn't sure if it would match with her suit.

"You... look good, too." The girl attempted to casually return the compliment. Lonnie seemed to chirp happily in response.

"Where's Kyle, is he late again?"

 

[Siala Vash]

Siala paused outside the swanky joint, a clove cigarette pinched between her teeth. Was she really about to just... stroll into this CAD infested event? On one hand, it seemed wrong. However, on the other... she knew there was bound to be free drinks. And she really wasn't about to miss out on that.

Also, it just so happened that she could blend into crowds like this with ease.

Tonight, she was dressed ladylike. Clad in a lacy top that displayed bare shoulders, and a flirty skirt that floated just above the knee, she was ready to party. If nothing else, perhaps this would be a good opportunity to try and get close to some of the CAD members in attendance. After all, she had a way with men that'd already indulged in a few drinks. Maybe it was a bad idea to try and mix fun with business, but tonight she was willing to take that chance.

She'd never set foot in Sakedo Tower before now. But Siala had certainly heard about it. And she was a little bitter that the shopping mall tempted her so. If only she had the money to throw around. Her little closet was home to some expensive-looking things, but she had nothing else to really call her own. Besides, most of this finery was all that was left of her old life -- the only thing she'd cared to secure before fleeing from her ex. Someday. Someday, she'd be back in the black and finally able to live.

Until then, she'd just have to make do.

Dropping the clove cigarette to the ground, she put it out with the toe of her black shoe. Then, Siala walked straight in with head held high.

 

[Rosath]

The chiss man was well dressed. Certain groups outside of Darkwire had an interest in keeping tabs on not only them, but everyone involved in the galaxy. Their reasons where their own, and the singular folks out in the field merely the instruments of their eyes and ears to collect relevant data. Granted the term relevant was in a much broader scope than most cared to think about. If the whole of the galaxy could be shaped to one groups benefit, it required many tendrils across the stars.

And Rosath was one such tendril.

Involved with a large number of groups across the stretch of the galaxy, he took a number of identities to cover his trail and sink himself into the atmosphere of the surrounding environment. Mizio was his identity with Darkwire, an almost carbon copy of the rest considering the little amount of information the galaxy actually had about him yet.

His introduction to the group had been quick and clean, introduced as a standalone agent. Something he didn't mind as he entered the party with a glance to the doorman. The flash of a card, the attitude of belonging, the disdain of having to go through the effort of showing any amount of identification.

The act of belonging was just as much about walking the walk, as it was talking the talk. He was not here to advance anyone. At least not right away anyhow. He had come in with no weapons, save for his hands and feet.

 

[Argos of the East]

It’d been a hot minute since Argos had a moment off - enough time to relax, throw some back, smoke a death stick or two. Today, however, he wasn’t really sure it was going to end up like that - as the moment he had come in, and young kid with an attitude recognized him and tried showing off before catching a metal fist to the teeth. With a few less to hit, the kid went down, and now Argos was stressed.​

​

He swore under his breath as he dusted off the knuckles on his prosthetic.​

​

“Fuckin’ kids and their stupid attitudes…”​

​

With his nerves on edge, he cocked his fist back once more as another figure appeared in front of him - but the immediate fear he saw on his face made his freeze. It was a waiter, stammering out a poorly rehearsed line somewhere along the lines of ‘Would you like a drink, sir?’ - but couldn’t quite make it out. Argos looked him up and down before slowly uncoiling himself from the strike.​

​

“Yeah, I think I will.”​

​

The gangster picked up two drinks, finishing one right away before making a more than audible quenching noise. He’d sip on his second, but he had to start feeling a buzz now or he was going to end up hitting someone else. Finding himself a spot with someones legs on it, he lifted them with a threatening gaze, and found himself a new spot with no further arguments besides a dirty look and a couple who moved aside.​

​

Either he’ll drink in peace, or someone interesting will come and talk to him - either seemed like a good conclusion to the night. He hoped they were cute, even as he settled back and swallowed the rest of his second drink - despite his earlier promise to sip it.​

 

[Anakin Stormrunner]

Blue wings could be seen through the crowd, their owner meandering through the mall. He had time until he needed to arrive at the Loft, and until then he had business to attend to. Indeed, hidden among his slow paced wandering, were several key stops. Luminous Sun, while not a depur at first glance, had many slaves. They have no chains or collars or hidden bombs, but as Anakin rounds a corner, blue coat tail and orange-gold tassels swirling, he reminds himself that those things aren't necessary to make one a slave.

"There's more than one way to be enslaved," the voice of his third Quarter's Grandmother reminds him as he passes off a note by bumping into a twi'lek. She curses at him as he stumbles past, an apology on his lips. Then he's off again, eye's caught by a nearby attraction.

Anakin could never be considered subtle. Not with those bright blue wings, and even less so with his traditionally colorful outfit. However, as he wanders away from the attraction he uses the looks and stares to his advantage. Glancing around at all the watching eyes, he hunches his shoulders and pulls his wings forward until they curl around his shoulders, revealing the open back of his blue to tan ombre top. Though he has no discernible pupils, the bright blue orbs dart between the shops and his head jolts minutely in an attempt to follow. Setting his eyes on a mostly empty cafe, Anakin makes a hasty retreat. Once inside, he takes a deep sigh and shakes his wings to finish off the act.

"Can I help you?" The voice of a young cathar cuts through his supposed reverie. Opening his eyes, Anakin offers a smile. "Maybe. I was just trying to get away from all the people." The boy, a young child by all accounts, simply nods and calls to the back. "Hey dad, we got a customer!" The sound of clanging pots and cursing can be heard from the kitchen before a much larger, much older cathar is standing in the doorway. "So what can I do for you?" His voice is gruff, and Anakin knows the signs of years spent inhaling the dust and dirt of deep mines.

To sell the act, Anakin takes a minute examining the menu before ordering a hassa tea. The former spice slave and victim of the corporate Key program nods and disappears behind the counter, his son darting after him. Left alone in the cafe, Anakin pulls up a chair, open backed for the convenience of the many tailed species, and settles down.

Minutes later, he exits the building to a much quieter walkway and a mug of hassa tea clasped in his hands. Taking a sip from his cup, he smiles at the bitter, cinnamon taste. It may not be popper tzai, but it was close enough to bring back memories. Back in the cafe, a father crouches before his son, clutching him close as he whispers of the chance they were given. And speaks with broken sentences the secrets and the plans to get out. All the while he clasps a credit chip loaded with a couple thousand dollars and a sharpied on address. He knows, as the tears drip down his face, that the address will be somewhere to discretely transfer the large number into cash. Later, when Anakin comms his friend on a channel secured seven ways and as secret as secret can be, he will tell him that the tea deserved a "tip", all the while laughing like Ekkreth in the stories of his people.

For now, he meanders through the mall before coming to his last pre-planned encounter. Gold painted claws tick against the ground as he stops before a window. Inside are rows upon rows of electronics and he takes a moment to appreciate the newest model. Then, "Hey!" A shout is ripped from his throat as someone knocks into him, jangling the curved ornamental knife hanging at his hip. Few people stop to look, but those that do soon turn back to their own business. The thief escapes with a coded piece of flimsy containing the coordinates of a smuggler's ship.

A noise concludes his act, and it takes him but a moment to discern it's source. A nearby building, a bar from the looks of it. Anakin approaches confidently, curiosity gnawing at him. Perhaps it was a stupid move, considering the noise sounded distinctly like someone getting the chit beat out of them. Still he approaches, right hand clasped on the last whisper blaster hidden in the folds of his clothes. Curiosity is a powerful thing and Anakin rounds a corner, coming face to face with Argos of the East, sitting comfortably in a chair, and clasping a drink in a bloody knuckled hand. Eyeing the blood, the harpy looked back up to the humanoid. "What idiot decided to pick a fight with you?" He was, perhaps, making an exaggeration. With enough preparation and training, it would be possible to take the man on, but there was not nearly enough of a mess for that to be the case.

Anakin removes his hand from the blaster. Instead, he pulls up a chair to join the man. There was a moment where he stopped to consider the humor in the move. Here he was, a seemingly well dressed man wearing what would, on a human, be considered a dress. Even on him, with his bright blue and green tail half hidden under the train of the coat - a skirt in the eyes of most - and extending it backwards as opposed to straight down, it appears much more feminine than most male specific outfits. The sheer amount of gold doesn't help that. All in all, the image of him - dressed as some rich noble - plopping down next to what was obviously a criminal of some sorts is more than a little humorous. Still he smiles at the man, and he knows that despite the noticeability of his clothes it is his many scars that stand out the most.

Spoiler: Outfit

Adjustments:
the leather vambraces (on the legs) have gold lining in the design of small curved triangles and small diamonds of purple in the center of those triangles
ignore the necklaces
ignore the white on the arms and leg
the long part of the skirt goes over his tail, making it look much closer to a horse blanket or the concept art of fancy centaur clothes than a shirt.

DAGGER
curved, and held in a leather case with gold and purple accents
The handle is a tan similar to the top with the downward curved cross guard a gold painted metal with a blue lining. The pommel is diamond shaped and also gold painted with small purple gems inlaid in the top.

Note- for those with knowledge in gemstones or forgery in general, they will note that all the purple "gems" found on the dagger and outfit itself are really just cut and polished bits of desert glass.

Similarly, all the gold will be revealed to be similar looking paint or dye in relations to the cloth.

Spoiler: Outfit

this’ll probably go in my next post, but here’s a more fluid description of his hair and stuff.
His often unruly black hair is braided back in a fish tail, a trail of thin vibrant blue ribbon woven throughout the braids which coalesce behind his head in a small knot, leaving some hair at the front of his head loose.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Location: Seventh Square Garden
Objective: Ride the rides
Tags: None at the moment

Let’s all go to the mall! The song was stuck in the woman’s head, not that anybody these days would remember it. She didn’t even know what music was like these days. There was some playing on the loudspeaker but the crowed was so loud it was hard to really listen.

The Loft seemed to be the happening place but when she saw the amount of people in line the former Jedi frowned and decided to take a look around instead. To her surprise she found a garden complete with rides, some of which even she recognized.

Staring up at the large Ferris wheel the woman wondered if this had really been the night to wear heals.

 

[Sentiri]

Tags: Open
Also featuring: Zo'i Prihm and Rhéala Aleyv

For the first time, in a long time, Sabosen'tir'inrokini and Rhéala Aleyv walked arm in arm. After so many years and stars between them, the boundless space had closed and they were together once more. There were still so many things that the two needed to discuss. But nothing and no one could stop them from their renewed togetherness. The Chiss woman felt a little more whole again.

"Hey. Don't get sappy on me now, Tir. Remember, this is my boss' party." Rhé threw a questioning look to her partner as they walked off the turbolift and onto Floor 301 of Sakedo Tower.

Sentiri couldn't help the awkward smirk. "I know. This just feels... so nice."

"Yeah. Real nice," added the Zeltron teenager walking to Rhéala's other side.

This was the girl Rhé had grown to think of as a daughter. This situation was new for all of them. And Sentiri was still learning her place in it all. They all were, she figured. But, having come to know Zo'i even just a little, Sentiri could see the magnetism that had drawn her love and this girl together. And Sentiri was determined to make everything work. Because that's what she should have done from the very beginning. And what she would do from here on.

"Not excited for the party?" she offered Zo'i. The thought struck Sentiri that, if she had been asked that question at Zo'i's age, she would have run for the nearest exit, found a computer somewhere, and started wreaking havoc on whatever cybersecurity system was closest.

But Zo'i was definitely not Sentiri. Antisocial wasn't even a word in the girl's vocabulary. "Pff, duh!" Zo'i said, her face brightening immediately. "I mean, come on, it's a party!"

Sentiri and Rhé both chuckled easily, enjoying the radiance of the young adult's enthusiasm. Yes. This was happiness.

 

[Siala Vash]

Siala stood at the bar and caught the attention of the tender with a smile. Soon, she had a sparkly flute of champagne in her neatly manicured hand. Turning a glance over her shoulder, she surveyed the room with a sultry stare. No one she recognized, which wasn't all that much of a surprise – she did rather like to keep a low profile.

Members of the CAD were enigmatic. However, she'd studied their faces via various holo-net articles. Right now there were none readily accessible. The night was still quite young; there was time.

For the moment, she needed something – or someone – else to keep her entertained. Men and women were decked out in their finest, and rich textiles meant... rich people. A brow arched as Siala watched them. Maybe she could skip out of here with a few credits in her purse.

Skillfully winding her way through the crowd, she let her hand deftly slip into a few pockets as she passed. Palming the few credits she'd managed to lift, she popped open her clutch and deposited them. Then, she pulled out a bullet of red lipstick and dabbed it on her lips for show. As she continued, she bumped into a Chiss man (Rosath).

Somehow, she'd done so without spilling a single drop of her champagne.

“Oh, I'm so sorry,” she purred at him, and reached out as if to brush some invisible dust from his shoulder. “I'm so clumsy.” Siala added with a chuckle and a smile. Though, all the while, she was quietly sizing him up – and making note of any pockets.

 

[Rosath]

Siala Vash

Someone bumped into him, a careful stretch of his hand had it hovering around the lower back of a woman. One of the typical human variety. Her own hands held a bullet of lipstick, the other a flute of champagne. Which had not ended up on either of them. A curious thing given the bump they had shared. The slightest of smiles appeared as he pulled his hand back from around her midsection.

Always careful to not touch as she brushed some trace of dust off his shoulder.

He was thankful he kept the real credit chit hidden. The throw-away chit plainly in a pants pocket as he met her measuring gaze with his own. "Clumsy. A strange way of introducing one-self. Mizio Tless, Miss?" He was still giving the tiniest of smiles as he snatched a passing champagne flute from a tray. His voice was no where near as smooth as those after hours holo-line workers, but it was easy enough to hear he never raised his voice.

Her view would provide a chance to see nothing more than a well chiseled man with blue skin and red eyes. The throw away credit chit might be noticeable in his left trouser pocket, but nothing more could be plainly seen. Besides the sharp and watchful gaze that he had on her at the moment. A decision being decided of whether to remain hunted, or be the hunter.

 

[Argos of the East]

“The kind with something to prove.”, he almost spat back at the youngling before him.​

​

Though he stopped himself from knocking out a second person tonight - if only for the fact the kid didn’t disrespect him the moment he spoke. He cocked his head to the side, and looked at the kid over his glasses; carefully trying to piece together why he was dressed like that to a shindig for the disinclined.​

​

“You got something to prove, kid?”, he asked - halfway between a threat and an honest curiosity.​

​

“Why are you dressed like that, especially here? You do know what kind of people are here, right?”, Argos said as he leaned forward for a moment, as though what he said was some ‘secret’ the others shouldn’t hear.​

​

The man doing snorting an unknown powder across the room didn’t seem privy to the secrecy yet, however, as he slapped the table when his line was done.​

​

Anakin Stormrunner​

 

[Anakin Stormrunner]

“You got something to prove, kid?” Kid. The man called him a kid. In a way he could understand. In his species standards he wouldn’t even be out of his twenties, but fifty years of slavery does a good job of destroying any innocence. Still he can’t fault him. If he ignored the scars decorating his body or the thick calluses on his clawed fingers then yes, he looked almost childlike.

“Nothing to prove. Just curiosity.” Anakin answers with laughing eyes and the harsh accent of hutteese. Even as he sends his pupiless eyes skittering across Argo, a wide smile spreads across his face. It was out of place in a setting such as this, but so was the rest of him. A fact that the man was quick to point out.

Still, Anakin glanced around the room and pretended to take in his surroundings for the first time. It was a good act, if not for the smile that grew much too wide for something as simple as friendliness. “I hadn’t noticed.” He says and there is something like laughter in his voice.

It was rare for him to be so cheery, but twelve more people would be freed because of his actions today. He could afford a little giddiness. “I admit, it’s a little higher quality than most places I’ve been through.” The words were spoken with humor and Anakin knows that those words, coming from someone as seemingly wealthy as him would appear a lie. He doesn’t mind. Let the man underestimate him. The assumption was the sole reason he even considered revealing the fact.

His orange gold bracelets jangle as Anakin checks his chrono. He still had time. With that in mind, he waved down a barman and watched as the older twi’lek approached. “What can I get you?” He asked, voice raspy from one too many death sticks. Anakin plays the unwary and rich outlander with a glance up to the menu. “I’ll take an ardee.” The twi’lek hovers a moment, but Anakin pays him no obvious attention. Never mind that he keeps track of the man until he disappears back into the kitchen. It wasn’t a noticeable act, and even joking as he was he refused to lower his guard.

Turning to Argos, he ruffled his wing, blue as water and as noticeable as a bantha in the bedroom. “If you’ve yet to notice, I’m not exactly subtle one way or another. Either I’m attacked for my wings or attacked for my clothes. With a choice like that, I might as well make an impression.” It wasn’t a lie as much as it was an unrelated truth.

A dirty glass thunked down onto the table, sloshing the sandy brown liquor about and splashing some over the edge. The waiter is already half way to the kitchen but Anakin thanks him nonetheless. Gold painted claws tick against the wet glass and Anakin lifts it up in a silent toast, that still too wide smile splitting his face. The drink, in all its disgusting and low quality glory, reminded him of home. Everything from the faint scent of grain to the musty taste of the bantha hide used in its making. For a moment, he could almost hear Anil’s ceaseless babbling as she worked the hide into a pulp. And for a moment his wide smile shrank and took on a wistful edge. Then it’s gone, as quick as it came and Anakin takes another drink. “I can’t seem to remember your name.” He tells the man, the dirty glass of ardee thunking against the table.

Argos of the East

 

[Siala Vash]

With a little click, she placed the cap back on the lipstick and dropped it back into her clutch. She offered a sly smile when he commented on her rather unusual way of introducing herself. Self-deprecating, yes, but it was a conversation starter.

“Just call me Vash,” she said, her eyes lingering on his lips as they tugged upward ever slightly. Her appraisal of him gave her a few hints: broad shoulders, strong build, handsomely chiseled features. Just what did this mean? It could mean many things... perhaps further investigation was necessary. Of course, the trouser pockets hadn't gone completely unnoticed. But, that would require some finesse and rather close proximity in order to rob.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tless,” she added, letting her champagne glass 'clink' against his before she raised it to take a delicate sip. Of course, he could always be a member of the CAD – perhaps a business owner? Or maybe he wasn't even from Denon. As the gears turned in her mind, she wondered if she could put this Chiss to work for her...

After all, she did like to stick close to strong guys.

“Nice party, isn't it?” she asked, brows lofting slightly. “The Corporate Authorities have spared no expense, I see.” A simple comment to test the waters.

Rosath

 

[Rosath]

Crimson watched blue as they wandered over his features. He was by no means holding himself differently than usual. But usual for the chiss man was never anything less than confident. He held himself as all of his kind did. Assertive in posture, an open challenge to approach that this woman obviously matched as their glasses clinked.

"Vash. Tless will do then. No need for formalities." He replied with a pleasant tone, taking a small sip of the drink to gauge his appetite for it. Pleasant, and easy to sip. Something to keep in mind for the future as she spoke on the atmosphere.

His own thoughts began to form as Vash spoke, his thoughts fixated on the phrasing of her question. The way she held herself and approached, the lingering gazes and apparent dexterity she wielded silently though deftly. Not an astonishing feat by any means, but one he could respect.


He wasn't entirely certain if he as dealing with someone from the Corporate sector acting the part, or someone from Darkwire itself. Trailing along at a very poorly regarded chance, was that she simply was a lucky patron.

"A fine party to be sure. Lucky, I would suppose we are, that they are willing to spend their hard earned money on this fine event." A backhanded compliment in a pleasant guise, one meant to discern the woman's affiliation having revealed his own. A measured risk, but information came with that cost.

Identifying another Darkwire was worth it if only for future help.

Siala Vash

 

[Daiya]

The glitz.

The glamour.

The excitement!

Daiya had been to parties before, but never one put on directly by Denon's most elite. Oh sure, they were a bunch of ornery Corpos and she hated everything they stood for, but that didn't mean they couldn't put on a good soirée. The teen had come dressed for the affair, though she couldn't help noticing that others' attire was far classier. Typical Corpos, even when they held open arms to the little people, they still made sure those arms were better dressed.

Still, the girl was certain that none of the other attendees had snagged a personal invite from Luminous Sun herself.

That knowledge covered what the girl left bare today, walking about onto the floor of The 301 without her usual long sleeves and customary satchel slung over her shoulder. Even her dress rode up a little higher on her legs from what she remembered, though the memory of the last time she wore it was a little fuzzy. The teen didn't mind wearing dresses so much anymore, the types of fun they unlocked more than made up for a little discomfort, and her special invite made up the rest of it today.

And today promised to be an incredible affair. It wasn't the girl's first time back to Sakedo Tower since that memorable day of the attack, but it was her first time back to the mall level. She vividly remembered its shattered state just moments after the capture of the pirate captain responsible. It was a different view for Daiya now than it was before, when the girl stood over the two pirates she and Tawrro were proudly claiming for their bounties. Where once lay piles of rubble and twisted metal, now were storefronts and sturdy columns once again holding up the dazzling transparisteel ceiling. At least, what she could see between the new floor stacked between the shops and the Loft nightclub built there.

Daiya was eager to visit the shops and take advantage of sales, she still had some of that bounty money burning a hole in her cred chip. Yet the allure of the party was calling to her. The mall would be there tomorrow, probably, but her ticket into Sun's exclusive nightclub was just for one night only.

It wasn't immediately clear how to get up to the exclusive club, but spying the clump of CorpSec officers gave her a pretty good idea. Most of them were trying to look inconspicuous for the evening, with dresses or suits that hid about as much of their cop nature as a clown nose would. Daiya walked right up to them, a smile on her lips that was one part bravado and one part smug. She had a personal ticket up to the real party tonight, and not even the likes of the feline CorpSec captain she spied nearby was going to distract her.

"Ugh, not that CorpSec lady," the girl murmured to herself. Well, she wasn't going to be distracted long then. The Farghul captain had responded to the pirate's attack, which was no doubt why she was able to swing this detail tonight. But for as much credit was due to her for that aid, Daiya still didn't like the woman. If she'd gotten her way, Zenie would have been arrested back at the Belazuran beach, and probably Daiya along with. The girl put on her showiest smile for the captain as she passed by and made her way up to the club.

Inside the club was everything Daiya had hoped for. Great music, stunning people, and lots of movement. Her irritation was driven away by the booming bass, and her hips started to sway to the beat. The girl joined the throng of dancers, letting herself go in the crowd until she spied someone who caught her eye. She let herself bump into the ginger-haired boy, giggling as she stepped back to offer, "Oops, sorry. Your moves are a-mazing, by the way."

Cartri Keswoll​

 

[Argos of the East]

“That’s because I didn’t tell you, kid.”, he reinforced.​

​

With a subtle frown, he flopped himself back into his seat - crossing his legs as his eyes wandered to whatever long legged zeltron that happened to walk by him. All shrouded in the sunglasses it would be an almost stealthy gesture - were it not for the fact Argos turned his entire head as he watched, nullifying any benefit the glasses gave him.​

​

“Another thing, you ever think you get attacked for that shit eating grin?”, Argos said with a quick glance back, looking for Anakin’s expression to waiver.​

​

“Being unhappy might save you the occasional beating - just a thought.”​

​

Anakin Stormrunner​

 

[Siala Vash]

Siala brought her flute up for another sip when Tless responded. His words may have sounded perfectly complimentary on the surface. But, her smile widened as she let the champagne flute linger there by her lips. Hard earned indeed, she thought.

“I'll drink to that,” she replied with a sly glint in her eyes.

Perhaps, this Chiss man was on the same level, so to speak – a potential fact that made the woman eye him with deeper interest. Before long, she turned her eyes to the sparkling liquid in her crystal flute. “And if they're poppin' bottles, we may as well drink up. This is good, but I think I'm ready for something... stronger.”

Siala nodded over towards the bar, where there were a few empty seats towards the end. She hopped onto a stool, where there was a seat open next to her should her Chiss companion choose to sit. “Corellian brandy,” she said to the tender, and then turned back to give full attention to Tless.

“So,” she began, leaning towards him slightly. “Tell me about yourself... are you from here or did you come to Denon to party?” Her lips curled up into a playful smile.

Rosath

 

[Kadora'Tra]

​

Feline eyes scanned the party, uncovered toe pads grasping the slick ground underneath, the tips of her claws retracted just enough so as to not make any embarrassing clacking as she walked. The side arm concealed in her suit jacket giving her some mild discomfort as the crowd started to pile in. Servants carrying drinks walked about offering the complementary beverages.

Eventually, she caught the look of a familiar face, but it wasn't Kyle.

"Hmm," An unfamiliar nervousness and distaste filled her mouth. It wasn't that she necessarily disliked the person she was seeing, but she disliked the circumstances she kept meeting her in. On Denon, the girl had been there when Lonnie got hurt, and she was also the one who "rescued" Kadora'Tra and the Senator (now Chancellor) Adhira Chandra , though she would be the first to say the pair had rescued themselves... Daiya and Gray Venasir had been more of a ride in the end. Then, of course, their was the beach on Belazura. Another reminder of another failure.

She didn't make her staring too obvious, but she was keeping a tab on the bad luck girl, even as they approached and smiled smugly. Apparently she wasn't being as subtle as she hoped, as she overheard the girls murmur to herself with her upturned ears.

"Ugh, not that CorpSec lady," A momentary temper flared and the Farghul looked directly at the tiny human, before catching herself and distracting herself by fixing Lonnie's cape that was "out of place" (it wasn't). Lonnie gave a surprised chirp followed by something like a thank you, but Kadora'Tra wasn't really listening. What did she expect from criminal scum? There was no point in her malcontents towards what was probably an orphan, who hadn't been lucky enough to get into the academy.

After a few minutes of wandering, eventually she heard rapid footfalls and someone out of breath. Looking towards the source, she found none other than Kyle.

"Jeez Kyle, you're like 20 minutes late, where have you been?"

"Ya- hff, um hff one sec haaaa, Cap', phew" Kadora'Tra rolled her eyes as she waited.

 

[Anakin Stormrunner]

At least he was smart, even if he lacked common sense. Already Anakin could count a dozen different inconsistencies with his act, from the scars to the tattoo to the fact that he bought the cheapest and grossest possible drink and didn’t bother hiding the fact that he enjoyed it.

Blue eyes watched at the man turned to track a woman and he is struck by how painfully obvious this man was. You’d think a criminal would have a keen eye for inconsistencies or at least some subtlety.

His game having grown dull, Anakin took the next opportune moment to retreat. After all, it was almost time to arrive. “ -ou get attacked for that shit eating grin?” His smile grew, becoming just a little too wide for a human, and a little too feral for most sentients to comfortably handle. “More times than I can count.” It is all he said. And in the next moment Anakin finished off his glass and stood from the table. “Being unhappy might save you the occasional beating - just a thought.” The words were called from across the room and Anakin was already halfway out the door when he heard them.

The door shuts, and Anakin turns to the humanoid, the smile gone from his lips. Bare shoulders slump with his sigh as Anakin eyes the man before him. “I’ve spent too many years unhappy. I’m not going to go back to that for a couple of people looking for a fight.” And then he is gone, out the door and down the street.

The crowds thin as he walks, and by the time he’s reached the elevator only a few people meander around. Anakin steps inside, letting the machine take him to the top floor.

Anakin didn’t look at the guards as he stepped through security, and the look on his face when the scanner went off was one of annoyed disdain. Of the two guards, the human is the one to gesture towards his dagger. “Sir, you’ll have to remove that.” A hand darts down for the knife, grabbing the scabbard protectively. “This is a family heirloom! It’s generations old!” Pure blue eyes narrow on the man, darting over to the second when he too begins to speak. “Never the less, it’s a weapon and not allowed on the premise.” His hand tightens, and the look Anakin shoots him is downright insulted. “It’s purely ornamental.” The two guards exchange a look, and it is the second one, an older twi’lek that speaks. “The rules are the rules. If you don’t remove it you don’t enter the party.” Anakin looks down to the knife, and though he doesn’t sigh his shoulders slump and he begins to unclip it. “Very well. But take care of it! It’s an antique, and one of a kind!” The guards take his knife and Anakin is ushered on, the two men more than ready to get rid of the over dramatic and almost snobby outworlder. As Anakin leaves, he admires how well the plan had gone. By causing a fuss about the knife, the two had failed to search him more thoroughly and had missed the several weapons and less than legal tools hidden on his person.

The first thing he notices upon entering the party propper are the glass floors. Logically he knows they’re meant to give a hint of wealth to those below and flaunt the owner’s opulence to the common masses, but all he can see is a cage. It reminds him of years spent enslaved, trapped within an invisible cage, one of radio waves and a bomb planted beneath his skin. The demure posture of the server that stops him does nothing to dissuade the image. She soon leaves, and Anakin wanders towards the mingling people, some tasteless and expensive finger food clutched between forefinger and thumb.

The conversation is almost as dull as the food, each person too wary of their neighbor to say anything important. Anakin ends up near the edge of the dance floor, watching people sway back and forth or talk amongst each other, their words drowned out by the music. Anakin knows that he is drawing his eyes, the combination of his scene with security and the striking color of his outfit when compared to the formal suits and subtle dresses of the elites around him

Argos of the East
@anyone